Similarities Between Ducks & Chicks

Ducks are a type of waterfowl that have a number of different varieties. The term "duck" is used to describe a mature bird, while the term "duckling" refers to the young. "Chick" is a universal term that describes the young of a wide variety of birds. However, on farms the term "chick" usually refers to young chickens. Both ducklings and chicks are common farm animals with a number of similarities.

  1. Availability

    • Chicks can be purchased already hatched.

      Both ducklings and chicks are widely available from breeders either in-person or by mail order. A number of different varieties of both types of bird are available. Both ducklings and chicks can also hatch from eggs by using an incubator.

    Care

    • Ducklings as young as 1 day old can be easily taught to swim.

      In their first few days both chicks and ducklings need to be kept warm. In many cases, this will require the use of a heat lamp in a small box or container. Regular contact with both types of birds when they are young will help them get used to being around people.

      One major difference between the birds is that as waterfowl, ducklings should be introduced to water and allowed to swim within their first few days so that they may become comfortable in the water.

    Feeding

    • The birds should have access to food and water at all times.

      Both ducklings and chicks need access to food and water. The young can eat traditional crumbles-style feed. Though labeled for chicken use, both ducklings and chicks can consume this feed. They should have a constant supply of feed and water. Ducklings and chicks may need to learn how to drink water by gently dipping their beaks into a small water dish. To keep water fresh, it will need to be changed regularly.

    Egg Production

    • Eggs from both birds can be enjoyed by people.

      As they mature, both ducks and chickens can become excellent egg layers. In fact, though chickens are more common for egg production, many varieties of ducks are actually better layers. The major concern with duck eggs, however, is that they will have an unpleasant taste, which is true of duck eggs found in the wild. The taste of the eggs is determined by the bird's diet. Ducks fed the same food as chickens will have eggs that taste like chicken eggs. Ducks that eat fish or other pond life will produce eggs with an unpleasant taste. Duck eggs will be slightly larger than chicken eggs and have a thicker shell and albumen.